It was two months ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
